Cheek pain refers to discomfort or soreness experienced in the facial region situated between the eye socket and the jawline. This sensation can arise from a wide range of underlying issues. Understanding the potential origins of cheek pain helps in finding appropriate relief.
Dental and Oral Health Conditions
Problems originating within the mouth and jaw frequently contribute to cheek pain. Dental caries, commonly known as cavities, can lead to discomfort that extends beyond the affected tooth. When decay progresses, it can reach the inner pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels, leading to inflammation and pain that may radiate to the jaw, face, or around the eyes.
A dental abscess, a collection of pus from untreated decay or gum disease, can cause throbbing pain and swelling that spreads to the cheek and surrounding tissues. Impacted wisdom teeth, lacking sufficient space to emerge, can exert pressure on adjacent structures, leading to pain in the jaw and cheek. Gum diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, involve inflammation and infection of gum tissues, potentially causing referred pain. A cracked or fractured tooth may expose sensitive inner layers, resulting in sharp pain that can radiate into the cheek, particularly when chewing or exposed to temperature changes.
Sinus and Respiratory Issues
The sinuses, air-filled cavities behind the cheekbones and forehead, can be a significant source of facial pain. Sinusitis, an inflammation or infection of these sinus linings, often causes pressure and tenderness in the cheeks, as the maxillary sinuses are directly positioned in this area. This inflammation can lead to mucus buildup, increasing pressure and stimulating pain receptors in surrounding tissues.
Sinusitis can be caused by viral infections, like the common cold or flu, or by bacterial infections. Viral sinusitis commonly clears within 10 days, but persistent or worsening symptoms might indicate a bacterial infection. Allergic reactions can also inflame the sinuses, leading to congestion and pain. Sinus pain is often described as a dull, aching sensation that can worsen when bending forward or with sudden head movements, distinguishing it from sharp, localized dental problems.
Nerve-Related Conditions
Conditions directly involving facial nerves can manifest as distinct types of cheek pain. Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized by intense, electric shock-like sensations along the trigeminal nerve. This nerve has three main branches, with one affecting the cheek, jaw, teeth, and lips, and another affecting the area around the nose and above the eye.
Pain episodes are often triggered by light touch, chewing, talking, or even a cool breeze. The pain is typically sharp, stabbing, and severe, lasting from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, though it can occur in frequent bursts. While usually affecting only one side of the face, its intensity is often described as excruciating. Other forms of nerve irritation or damage, known as neuropathic pain, can also lead to chronic or intermittent cheek pain, which might feel burning or aching.
Muscular and Jaw Joint Disorders
Issues with muscles and joints responsible for jaw movement can also cause pain that radiates to the cheek. The temporomandibular joints (TMJ), on each side of the head connecting the jawbone to the skull, are involved in chewing, speaking, and yawning. Dysfunction in these joints, known as TMJ disorders, can lead to pain, clicking or popping sounds, and limited jaw movement, with discomfort often spreading to the cheek.
Muscle tension in the jaw, often from stress, can contribute significantly to cheek pain. Habits such as teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching the jaw, particularly during sleep, can overwork the muscles under the cheeks, leading to fatigue and pain. This muscular strain can cause a dull ache or soreness in the cheek area, which may be more noticeable upon waking.
Other Less Common Causes and When to Seek Care
Less common causes of cheek pain include issues with salivary glands. Conditions like sialadenitis, an infection or inflammation of a salivary gland, can cause a painful lump and swelling in the cheek or under the chin, sometimes accompanied by fever. Blockages in salivary ducts due to stones can also lead to pain, especially while eating, as saliva flow is obstructed. Facial injuries or trauma, such as cheekbone fractures, can result in significant pain, bruising, and swelling.
Certain systemic infections can also present with cheek pain. Mumps, a viral infection, causes painful swelling of the parotid salivary glands, leading to puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, can cause rapid swelling, redness, and pain in the face, often entering through a break in the skin. This condition can be serious if left untreated.
Seek professional medical attention if cheek pain is severe, persistent, or worsening. Specific red-flag symptoms warrant immediate evaluation, including significant swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a fever. Numbness in the face or pain following a recent injury also indicates a need for prompt medical assessment. Consulting a healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause and ensure appropriate treatment.